Gathering and loading machine



Dec. 29, 1936. F. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Original Filed July 26, 1933 11 Sheets-Sheet l gia Dec. 29, 1936. F. CARTLIDGE' GATHERING AND LOADINGMAGHINE Original Filed July 26, 1933 ll Shqeis-Sheet 2- Dec. 29, 1936. F. CARTLIDGE I GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Original Filed July 26, 1933 11 Sheets-Sheet s Dec. 29, 1936.

F. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Original Filed July 26, 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 29, 1936. CARTLIDGE 2,066,137

GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE ori inal Filed July 26, 1933 11 sheets-skies; '5

J37 J33 J35 Dec. 29, 1936. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE IL maisrSheet 6 Original Filed July 26, 1933 Dec. 29, 1936. F. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE v Original Filed July 26, 1933 11 Sheets-Sheet 7 Esam Cori/030 @e'wwa M 042701776;

Dec. 29, 1936. F. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Original Filed July 26. 1933 1f Sheds-sheaf 8 ma mm Dec. 29, 1936. F. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Original Filed July 26, 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet 9 Dec. 29, 1936. i F. CARTLIDGE 2,066,137

GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE I Original Filed July 26, 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet l0 J66 J67 I i jfi 165 J J82 J81 I I I /777 h l v W 329 16.

| .t I I 20!! sl flunk/(w; a M 200 A CQW 202 Jim Dec 29,1936. F. CARTLIDGE GATHERING AND LOADING MACHINE Original Filed July 26, 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet ll Ewe/afar fl w/b C012! e as? Patented Dec. 29, 1936 sr "re mam Frank Cartlidge, Chicago, 111., assignor to Goodman Manufacturing Company, Chicago, 111., a

corporation of Illinois Application July 26, 1933, Serial No. 682,248 Renewed February 29, 1936 14 Claims. (01. 198-8) This invention relates to improvements in gathering and loading machines particularly adapted for loading coal at the working face of a mine.

My invention has as its principal objects to provide a simple and efficient machine of the class described including a track-mounted, selfpropelled truck wherein the wheels and axles support the truck frame in a novel and simplified manner so as to maintain the machine on the track during loading where the track or bottom is uneven or the pressure exerted against the wheels and axles by the gathering and loading mechanism is excessive, which is so arranged as to be readily transported about the mine and efliciently manipulated in close working places.

Other objects of my invention will appear from time to time as the following specification proceeds.

My invention may be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a device constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure l with parts broken away and in section to more clearly show the details thereof;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a portion of the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure l with parts broken away and in section to more clearly show the details thereof;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 1 with parts broken away and in section to show certain details not shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a partial fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line $-6 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the device embodying my invention with the gathering and loading element in a different position than in Figure 3 to show certain other de tails of my invention not shown in Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a sectional View taken substantially along line 88 of Figure 4;

Figure 9 is a partial enlarged fragmentary detail plan view showing certain details of the elevating mechanism not shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along line Ill-Ill of Figure 3;

Figure 11 is a partial enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the forward end of the gathering mechanism; 1

Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line l2l2 of Figure 3;

Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along line iii-l3 of Figure 3;

Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view of the rearward portion of the device embodying my invention with parts broken away and in section to more clearly show certain details thereof;

Figure 15 is an enlarged partial side elevation of the rearward portion of the device embodying my invention with parts broken away and in section to more clearly show the details thereof;

Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken substantially along line I 6|6 of Figure 15; g v

Figure 17 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line l'l-l1 of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 18-18 of Figure 17; Y 7

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the device of my invention showing the machine positioned on a track, a portion of which is uneven;

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic plan view of the device of my invention illustrating the distribution of weight on the truck frame where the gathering and loading element is positioned to one side or the other of the track;

Figure 21 is a diagrammatic front end view of the truck illustrating the position of the truck frame with respect to the wheels and axles when on an uneven track, as is shown in Figure 19; and

Figure 22 is a. diagrammatc front end View of the truck illustrating the position of the truck frame with respect to the track Wheels and axles where the track is uneven and the gathering and loading element is positioned on the right hand side of the track.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures.

With reference now to the drawings and Figures 1 and 2 in particular, the main elements of the embodiment of my invention illustrated are similar to those disclosed in a prior application bearing Serial No. 472,701, filed August 2, 1930, now Patent No. 2,027,091, dated January 7, 1936, and entitled Improvements in loading machines,

0 oppositei endsthereof determined by the'point of and consist of atrack-mounted truck or main frame I 0 having an inclined gathering andload- 7 ing element II extending forwardly therefrom and a discharge conveyor I2 extending from beneath the'rear end of said gathering and loading element and upwardly and 'rearwardly therefrom overhangingtherear end of the main frame I0 forfdischarging materialinto" suitable receptacles, such as mineicars. V 7 V The main operating parts are driven from a suitable motor I3, herein preferably shown as being an electric motor. The motor I3 is mounted onthe main frame I0 rearwardly of the rearwardmost truck axles and its: axis of rotation is substantially in alignment with the longitudinal centerline of the machine and serves as a drive' 7 means for the truck wheels forfdrivingthe loading machine about the mine and feeding the: a gathering and loading element I I into or retract 7 ing said gatheringiand loading element from the material which is being loaded, for elevating or lowering said gathering-and loading element, and swinging said gathering and loading element about avertical axis, the'details of which drive will more clearly appear as this specification proceeds.

The main-frame II) is mounted on a pair of' fioatingtruck axles fll, I4 having track wheels I5, I5 thereon adapted to engage and ride along V a mine track I6. The main frame Illis located 7 insideVof-the track wheels I5, I5 and each truck axle I4 is journaled'in axle boxes I1, IIadjacent the inner sides of the track wheels I5, I5, which;

axle boxes are freely slidable in vertical fguides formed-bypedestals I8, I8 on opposite sides of the mainframe ID. A tie piece I9'is provided to tie I i the lower ends of each pedestal I8 together (see Fiestas, 12, and'13). it a a "Each axle box I is provided with an integral 'concavely formedi'socket extending generally longitudinally of the machine, which socket is ,adaptedto be engaged by a depending member '2I' secured to the main frame I 0 and having a convexly formed lower end 22 adapted to con-,

7 form, to the shape of the concavely formed 1 socket 20. a It is thus apparent that the'main frame lll is pivotally supported, on theaxleboxes} I I, ;I'I and that each axle I4, is free to pivotabout axes extending'longitudinally. of the machine adjacent connection of the sockets 20; 2Il of theaxle boxes V H, IIawith the depending members 2I;"2 I. 1

" wheelthereon riding over the elevated portion of =thetrack. Itshould'be noted that no springs are interposed between the axles I 4," I4 and the mainiframe I0 which resultsiin positive pivotal 1 7 j The main framejlllis of a rigid construction '55 r so balanced that where a portion of the track is and said main frame and mechanism thereon is depressed the wheel traversing this depressed portion of the trackwill move downwardly with respect to said main frame and-said mainframe iwill be supported on the other three axle boxes, thus {providing a three; point support for said main frame and" permitting all of the track wheels to remaininengagement withthe track. In a, contrary manner, where a portion of the track is eleVatedthe main frame Illiwi'll be supported on three points and will be pivoted about on'eof theaxles by the other axle having the 7 connections between said. main frame and axles and provides a simplified: means for permitting the machine to'traverse over uneven mine tracks withoutderailing; Other advantages of this construction will more fully appear as this specificai tion proceeds. a V

The track wheels 'I5, I5 are driven from the motor I3 by a suitable gear train which includes amotor pinion 23, reduction gears generally indicated by reference character 24,- a longitudinally extending shaft 25 driven therefrom, a bevel pinion 21 on the forward end of said shaft, bevel scribed in my aforementioned prior application, 7

achain andsprocketdrive 3I, a sprocket 32 driven therefrom, a drive chain 33 meshing with said sprocket and driving a sprocket 34 on the forward truck axle I4. The forward and rearward truck axles are operatively'connected. together by means of a suitable chain and sprocket drive, v

generally indicated by reference character 35, A suitable braking means (not shown in detail),

' similar to that shown in my aforementioned prior application, is provided for holding the machine from movement when desired.

It should be noted with reference to Figure. 3"

in particular, that the thickness of the sprocket 34 is less than the width of the engaging portion e of the drive chain 33 to permit pivotal movement 7 V of the forward truck axle I4 with respect to the 7 main frame I0 and prevent binding between said sprocket and drive chain so the truck may be driven when the truckaxle I4 is at various angular positions with respectto said main frame.

The truck drive and friction clutchrmechanism for selectively connecting the bevel g ars 28, 28 I 3 to the shaft 29 is controlled by a hand lever 26, adjacent the forward truck axle, and operatively connected with said friction clutch mechanism 1 by means of suitable link and lever mechanism in a suitable manner, but not herein described in detail since it is no portion of mypresent in-,

vention.

With reference now in particular to the details of the gathering and loading element I I, said gatheringand loading elementincludes an inclined frame 36'mounted on aturning frame 31 for pivotal movement with' respect thereto about 2 a horizontal axis spaced above the mainframe Ifl and overflthe forward end of the discharge conveyor 52. The turning frame 31 includes a housing and support member 38' pivotally con nected tothemain frame II] on anzupstandi'ng f boss39 disposed forwardly of the forwardmost truck axles: I4 but rearwardly of the forward end of said mainframe. The forward under portion 7 of the housing and support member 38 is provided with 'a relativelyflat surface having a flat bearmg member thereon adapted to have bearing engagement with' a bearing member 40 secured to the upper side of the forward portion of the main frame I 0; V r

Side frame members 4|,

7 4 I extend upwardly from opposite sides of the housing and support" member 38 in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other and terminate rearwardly of the forward end of the discharge conveyor I2.

The side frame members 4|, 4|, togetherwith bearing cap pieces 42; 42, form a pivotal support ment of said inclined frame with'respect to the main frame I0 about a horizontal axis; The axis of pivotal" movement of the inclined frame 36 for the inclined frame 36 to permit pivotal move-1 with respect to the main frame I is coaxial with a shaft 43, which shaft is driven from the motor it in a manner which will hereinafter be more fully described and forms a'means for driving a conveyor, generally indicated by reference character cc, along said inclined frame.

The forward end of the inclined frame 35 is provided with an inclined apron 45 which extends forwardly therefrom from a point disposed forwardly of the forward end of the conveyor Ml and rearwardly along and laterally beyond the sides thereof.

The inclined apron 45 is provided with a pair of spaced orbitally guided gathering arm carrying endless chains 45, 55 disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor 44 for gathering and depositing loose material upon said conveyor. The gathering arm carrying endless chains 45, 46 extend from a point disposed forwardly of the forward end of the conveyor 44 and rearwardly along said conveyor in diverging paths to aid in enabling the gathering arms to clear the material deposited on the conveyor 25.

A shoe 58, adapted to engage the ground, is formed beneath the forward portion of the inclined apron 45 so that said apron may be supported on the mine bottom for sliding movement therealong and wedged under the material which is being loaded. A shield 49 extends downwardly from the rearward end of the apron 45 forwardly of and adjacent the conveyor 44 and conforms generally to the path of said conveyor as it moves around its direction changing device. It should be noted that the angle of the gathering arms on the gathering arm carrying endless chains 35, it as said gathering arms move away from the conveyor 54 with respect to the inner sides of the apron 155 and sides of the inclined frame 35 is such as to deflect material onto said conveyor as said gathering arms approach said apron, which arrangement prevents said gathering arms from carrying material beyond said conveyor, as has been fully described in a prior application bearing Serial No. 580,755, filed by me December 14, 1931.

The conveyor 44 may be of any type well known to those skilled in the art but is herein shown as being a flight conveyor and includes a plurality of endless chains 58, 55 threaded around sprockets i, 5i keyed to the drive shaft 53. From the sprockets 5i, 5! the chains 55, 55 are guided forwardly along the underside of the inclined frame 35 to a point adjacent the forward end thereof over idlers 52, 52, under the sprockets for driving the gathering arm carrying endless chains 55, 55 (not shown) and forwardly therefro-m around direction changing devices 53, 53 on a shaft 54 disposed adjacent the shield 59 and the forward end of said inclined conveyor. From the direction changing devices 53, 53, the endless chains 55 extend upwardly along the inclined frame 35 over a plate 55 so that flights 5'1, 5? carried between said endless chains may move material along said inclined conveyor frame and. discharge it into the discharge conveyor I2.

The endless chains 55, 55 have operative connection with the gathering arm carrying endless chains 55, 56 at apoint rearwardly of the shaft 55 for driving said gathering arm carrying endless chains in a closed orbital path at a lower rate of speed than the speed of the conveyor 54 in a manner similar to that disclosed in my hereinbefore-mentioned prior application Serial No. 583,755.

It should be noted that the plate 55 is so formed adjacent the apron 35 as to be inclined with respect to the ground at the same angle as said apron and that the angle of the conveyor 44 conforms to the angle of said apron to a point adjacent the rearward end thereof when it conforms A to the angle of the inclined conveyor frame 36. With such an arrangement, clearance between the underside of the conveyor frame 55 and mechanism for driving the gathering arm carrying endless chains 35, 55 and the ground may be increased so that the shoe 35 may more readily be engaged with the mine bottom than formerly, especially in cases where the bottom is irregular or lumps of material are on the bottom rearwardly of the place where it is desired to position said shoe. with the fact that the gathering arm carrying endless chains 35, 56 diverge from the conveyor 45 adjacent their upper end; the fact that the angle of the gathering arms to the sides of the conveyor frame 35, as they move away from said conveyor and approach said conveyor frame, is such as to deflect material onto said conveyor instead of carrying material beyond said conveyor, and the fact that the speed of said conveyor is greater than the speed of said gathering arm carrying endless chains enables said gathering arms to effectively clear themselves of material on said conveyor and still efficientlyload material thereon.

With reference now in particular to the drive. for the conveyor 54 from the motor 83 and the drive to the swinging and elevating means for the gathering and loading element H, a bevel pinion 58 meshes with and is driven from the bevel gears 28, 28. The bevel pinion 58 is keyed on the rearward end of a longitudinal shaft 59 for driving said shaft. A shaft 5!] is journaled in the main frame it coaxial with the longitudinal shaft 59 and is operatively connected thereto by means of a collar 55a. The purpose of such an arrangement is to permit accessibility to the parts and ready assembly or tearing down of the machine.

A bevel pinion 52 is keyed on the forward end of the shaft 55 and meshes with and drives a bevel gear 52 journaled for rotation about an axis coaxial with the boss The bevel gear 52 meshes with and drives a bevel pinion G3 keyed on a shaft 55 journaled in the housing and support member 38 of the turning frame 31 in suitable anti-friction bearing devices in a usual manner. A bevel pinion 65 is keyed on the forward end of the shaft 55 and meshes with and drives a bevel gear 55 keyed on a shaft 5'! extending transversely of the turning frame 3?. The shaft 5'? is journaled in the turning frame 57 on the suitable anti-friction bearing devices in a usual manner and has a sprocket 55 keyed to its outer end which meshes with and drives an endless drive chain '55 extending upwardly there-. from and having connection with a drive sprocket ll mounted on the drive shaft 55 for the conveyor 55 for free rotation with respect thereto.

A clutch housing If is keyed to the hub of the drive sprocket H and is driven thereby. Suitable friction disks are cperatively connected with the clutch housing '32 and are adapted to be engaged by suitable friction disks operatively connected with a driving member '55 keyed to an end of the drive shaft 33. An engaging member 76 is adapted to engage the respective friction disks connected with the clutch housing l2 and drive sprocket ii, and said respective friction Such a construction combined 'a compression spring I5 carried in a suitable chamber formed integral with a cover I6 for 7 the clutch housing I2. Pressure exerted on the disks connected with the'respective clutch'housing I2. and driving member l3-may be adjusted b-ymeans of-a set screw I1 adapted to have engagement with a plate I8, which'plate abuts and V hasengagement with the outer end of the com pression spring I5.

The drive shaft 43 is'hollow and has a rod 19 extending therethrough and operatively connected'with the engaging member I4 for disengaging the disks connected with the clutch housing I2 from the disks: connected with the driving member I3 upon lateral movement ofsaid rod.

A'collar .89 is threaded'in the. opposite end of the rod "I9 and is journaled within a member 8| by means of a suitable anti-friction bearing 82. The member 8I' is adapted to be engaged by ecering and loading element encounters an 010- a struction, or'where the loadiimposed on'the wormf centricdisks 83, 83sec ured to a shaft '84 having a handle 85 keyed-to its'outer end. Turning the handle 85 in;one dire'ction engages'the eccentric, disks8'3, 83 with the'member 8| which; .7 V inturn moves'therod I9 againstthe compression spring I and disengages the'friction disks connected with the driving member I3 from the friction disks connected with the clutch housing 7 .'I2 andthusdisconnects the drive shaft 43 from the drive sprocket 'II. Thus it maybe'seen that afriction'control clutch of asimplified eonstrucg ftion has been provided fonpermitting the conthe motor I3, jwhich clutch mechanism is adjustable topermit automatic disconnection of said 7 gatheringmechanism and conveyor from said.

' center 'of'gravity of the machine from one side motorupon overload thereof.

"The gathering and loading element II may be swung from one side of the truck or main frame.

bevel gears 86, 86 coaxial with and selectively driven from the shaft 61. The bevel gears 86, 86

mesh with and drive a bevel gear 81 keyed on a shaft 88 journaled in the housing and support manneiy. V V

Suitable friction clutch devices 89, 89,-herein 50 shown as being friction disk clutches, are conmember 38 of the turning frame 3'! in a suitable nected with the bevel gears 80, 86 for selectively fldriving either 'of said bevel gears from the shaft Sljand driving the bevel gear 8 1 and shaft 88 at a frictionally controlledspeedin reverse direction without reversal of the motor I3.

The friction clutches 89, 89 are operated by means of a rod 90 'slidable in a bored portion of the shaft 91 by means of engaging members 9| 9! operatively connected to said rod and slidably movable in slots formed in the shaft 61 so that when one friction clutch 89 is in an enabut the collar 93. A clutch collar 95 is jour- V naled on the. collar 93 both for rotational and thrusting loads. 'A hand lever 96 on a vertical shaft 91 is operativelyconnected with the clutch collar 95 in a suitable manner so that movement of. said hand lever inone direction or another'will move the rod 90 'in one directionor another for selectively driving the shaft 88 in opposite directions at a frictionally controlled justed by movement of the collar 93 along. the

rod 90.

Aworm 98 is keyed to the shaft 88 and meshes with and drives a worm gear 99 keyedon. a ver- The vertical shaft I00 is jour-.

tical shaft. 100.

naled inthe turningframe 3] and is herein shown as having a sprocket I OI secured to its lower end which :meshes' with a flexible drive chain I02 secured to opposite sides of the main an arcuate forward endof said main frame so another will turn the turning frame 31 with respect tosaid main frame for swinging the gathering and loading element II about the axis gear 99is excessive, eitherof the clutches 89;. 89

of swinging movement of said gathering and loading element. This will prevent chattering gathering and loading element I I from derailing the machine when being swung during the loading operation to 'one side or the other of the track. The arrangement is such, and the friction clutches 69, 89 may be so adjusted, as to cooperate with' the track wheels I5, I5 and axles I4, M and cause a slight movement of the frame Withrespect to the axles when the gathering and loading element I I is swung to one side of the track or'the other under a load and shift the of the truck frame to the other depending upon the direction in'which the gathering and loading element II is swung, thus increasing the friction of "the track wheels against the track where the load is greatest and minimizing the possibility of derailing of the machine. 7

The gathering and loading element II is so arranged that the greater portion of its weight frame I 0 adjacent its ends and extending around 7 v that rotationof said sprocket in one direction or be noted that. the worm 98 '7 and breakage of parts and .will also prevent the when in a loading position is carried by suitable compression members, herein shown as being compression springs I03, I03. The compression springs I03, I93 are interposed between the turning frame 31 and conveyor frame 38 adjacent opposite sides thereof and encircle shafts I04, I04 pivotally secured to said turning frame at a point disposed forwardly of'the forward end .of the main frame I9 and 'telescoped within sleeves I95, I95 pivotally secured to the outer sides of on the compression springs I03, I03 are that the loads on the main frame I0 are more evenly distributed during the loading operation and the tendency for the front end of the machine to raise above the rails during the loading operationis eliminated. The reasons for this are that V the machine must be so designed that it will be evenly balanced when the forward .end of the gathering and loading element is in an extreme elevated position with respect to the mine I bottom. Thus, if the gathering and loading element were to rest onthemine bottom during the loading operation, agreater portion of its weight,

would be taken from the forward end of the The compression springs I03, I 63 are so designed that a greater portion of the weight of the gathering and loading element will be taken by said springs and transmitted to the forward end of the main frame I0, thus equalizing the weight on said main frame during loading along the bottom. I

The means for pivoting the gathering and loading element II and the inclined frame 36 about the axis of the drive shaft 43 and raising or lowering the forward end of said gathering and loading element includes a pair of extensible members H2, H2, herein preferably shown as being threaded shafts threaded within hubs H3, H3 of worm gears H4, H4. The worm gears I I4, I I4 are shown as being journaled in housings H5, H5 pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the turning frame 31 (see Figs. 1, 4, 8 and 9).

A member H6 is secured to the upper end of each threaded shaft II2 by means of a suitable pin in the usual manner. The upper portion of the member I I6 is forked and carries a roller I I1 between the prongs of said forked portion. Each roller III is adapted to engage the undersurface of a bearing plate IIB secured to the inclined frame 36. A dovetail guide I I3 extends outwardly from the member I I6 and is adapted to engage a corresponding dovetail guide I26 formed by parallel spaced inwardly beveled strips IZI, I2I secured to the inner side of a plate member I22, which plate member in turn is secured to each side frame member 4I. Likewise, a guide member I23 extends downwardly and inwardly from each member II 6 and is adapted to engage a guide secured to the inclined frame 36 and extending perpendicularly thereto.

The worm gears H4, H4 mesh with and are driven by worms I24, I24 on a horizontal shaft I25. A sprocket I26 is fixed to the horizontal shaft I and is driven from a parallel spaced horizontal shaft by means of a sprocket I28 and drive chain I29.

The sprocket I26 is keyed to a hollow stub shaft I33, which stub shaft in turn is formed integral with a socket I3I keyed to an end of a hollow shaft I33. The hollow shaft I33 is journaled in a suitable housing on anti-friction bearings, which housing in turn is secured to the turning frame 31. The shaft I33 may be selectively driven from the motor I3 in opposite directions without reversal of said motor at a frictionally controlled speed by means of oppositely facing bevel gears I34, I34 carried on the shaft I33 for free rotation with respect thereto and selectively connected thereby by means of friction clutches I35,

I35. The friction clutches I35, I35 are operated by means of a rod I36 passing through the hollow stub shaft I36 and hollow shaft I33 and having connection with members I31, I31, which members pass through suitable slots formed in the hollow shaft I33 and have operative engagement with the friction clutches I35, I35 for connecting either one of the bevel gears I34, I34 with said shaft. The rod I35 is shifted by means of a suitable collar I38 threaded thereon, clutch fork I39, and hand lever I46 operatively connected with said clutch fork, so that when said hand lever is in one position the shaft I33 and sprocket I28 will be driven in one direction, and when said hand lever is in an opposite position said shaft and sprocket will be driven in an opposite direction.

The bevel gears I34, I34 are driven in opposite directions by means of a bevel gear I4I on the upper end of a vertical shaft I43. A bevel pinion I44 is keyed on the lower end of the vertical shaft I43 and is driven from the bevel gear 66 keyed on the shaft 61.

It may now be seen that the gathering and loading element II may be swung from one side of the machine to another about a vertical axis disposed rearwardly of its rearward end inreverse directions without reversal of the motorat a frictionally controlled speed, that the forward end of said gathering element may be elevated or lowered without reversal of the motor at a frictionally controlled speed, and that the conveyor 44 and gathering arms 46 may be driven independently of swinging or elevating or lowering of the gathering and loading element at a frictionally controlled speed. Thus the positioning operations are independent of each other and independent of operation of the conveyor 44 and gathering arm carrying chains 46, 46. With such an arrangement, the gathering and loading element I I may readily be manipulated and wedged into or freed from the material which it is loading independent of operation of the conveyor 44 and gathering arms 46. Furthermore, each one of these operations is controlled by a separate operating member through independently operated friction clutches in a simplified and eflicient manner permitting independent operation of the various moving parts of the machine when tramming or loading and automatic disconnection of the parts from the motor I3 upon overload.

The discharge conveyor I2, which extends rearwardly of the truck and main frame I0, is preferably mounted on a frame I46 which is supported adjacent its forward end on trunnions I41, I41 carried by a bracket I48 so as to afford rocking movement of said discharge conveyor about a transverse axis and permit the elevation or lowering of the rearward end of said discharge conveyor. The bracket I48 is pivotally mounted on the boss 39 by means of a bearing member I49 threaded on the end of a bolt I50 carried within said boss, thus affording a pivotal connection for the discharge conveyor I2 and permitting swinging movement of said discharge conveyor with respect to the main frame I0.

The rearward portion of the discharge conveyor I2 is supported on an arcuately shaped frame member I5I by means of suitable rollers I53, I53 carried by the frame I46 and adapted to engage the top surface of said arcuate frame. The arcuate frame I5I is supported by threaded shafts I54, I54 adjacent opposite ends, which shafts in turn are threaded through the hubs of worm gears I55, I55 journaled in housings I56, I56 secured to the main frame III. A transversely extending shaft I5'I is journaled in the housings I56, I56 adjacent its opposite ends and has suitable worms I58, I58 keyed thereto, which The discharge conveyor I2 may be of any type well known to those skilled in the art but is herein shown as being a flight conveyor including a pair of endless drive chains I6I, I6I having flights I62 carried therebetween. The endless drive chains I6 I, I6I extend around suitable idler sprockets on a shaft I63adjacent the rearward end of the frame I46 and forwardly along said frame around suitable idler sprockets on a shaft I64 disposed adjacent the forward endof the frame I46 over a suitable plate I65 to and around the idler 7 sprockets on the shaft I63.

A motor, herein shown as being an electric motor I66, is provided for driving the endless drive chains IEI, I6! and swinging the discharge conveyor]: from one side of the main frame I .tothe other. The motor I66 is mounted on the freely mounted on a sleeve member I1I,'which '-sleeve member;is in turn keyed to a hollow drive shaft- I13. A ring I14, having integral clutch teeth 1140/1 formed internally thereof, extends outwardly from and is formed integral with the worm gear I10 The clutch teeth I14a are adapted to engage a clutch member I15 secured to a shaft I16 carried within the hollow shaft I13." The clutch member I15 has clutch jaws I11 formed integral therewith which are adapted to selectively engage clutch jaws I18 formed integral with the sleeve member I.1I upon movement of the shaft I16 with respect to the drive shaft I13 for driving said drive shaft from the worm gear I10. Sprockets I19, I19 are keyed on the hollow drive shaft I13 and mesh with the endless conveyor chains IISI, ISI for driving said con- 'veyor chains uponrrotation of said shaft.

The shaft I16 is shifted to engage the clutch jaws I11 with the clutch jaws I18 or for disengaging said clutch jaws therefrom by means of a suitable clutch collar I80 operated by a clutch fork I81 and hand lever I82 in the usual manner.

A-sprocket I83 is keyed to the shaft I16 ade jacent the clutch collar I80 and is adapted to drive a'sprocket I84 on a parallel'shaft I85 by,

means of a drive chain I85. The parallel shaft I85 is journaled in a suitable frame and housing member I81 mounted on the frame I46. A spur gear I88 is freely mounted on the parallel shaft I85 and meshes with an idler gear I89, which idler gear in turn meshes with a spur gear I90 keyed on a shaft I9I parallel to the parallel shaft I85. Another spur gear I93 is freely mounted on the parallel shaft I85 and meshes with a spur gear I94keyed to the shaft I9 I. Suitableclutch mechanism, herein preferably shown as being a jaw clutch member I95, is splined on' the parallel shaft I 85 and is adapted to selectively connect either of the spur gears I93 or I88 therewith for driving the shaft I9I from the shaft I85 in reverse directions without reversal of the 'motor I66. A worm I96 is cut integral with the shaft HM and meshes with and drives'a worm gear I91 keyed'on the shaft I99 journaled in the frame and housing member I81. A sprocket 200 is carried by the'shaft I99 for free rotation with respect thereto and is operatively connected to said shaft by-means of a frusto conical friction member 20I adapted to be engaged with a corresponding inner'periphery of the hub of said sprocket by means of a compression spring member 202 engaging the outer side of the friction member 20I and held in engagement therewith by a bolt 203*engaging the opposite side thereof and threaded in the'endof the-shaft I99, thus forming a friction slip drive for said sprocket. The. sprocket 200 is adapted to meshwith a flexible drive chain 204. Theflexible drive chain 204 is secured at its ends to opposite ends of the arcuate frame,

' guide rollers 205 205 adjacent and on opposite frictionin reverse directions without reversal of said motor.

Referring now in particular to Figures 19, 20,

21, and 22, said figures diagrammatically illustrate the distribution of loads'on the main frame I0 when the gathering and loading element I I is swung to one side or the other of the longitudinal center line of said main frame and in places Where the track is uneven. In Figure 19, the

track is shown as being depressed adjacent the J right hand forward track wheel. 'Under such a condition, the forward axle I4 will pivot about the .axis of pivotal connection of the left hand forward axle box I 1 to the depending member, 2 I, thus maintaining all of the track wheels on the track. 7

When the gathering and loading element II is in a central position with respect to the main frame I 0 and the track is low at one point, as has previously been described, the load will be taken on the two rearward axle boxes I1, I1 and the left hand forward axle box I1, it being understood that the main frame I0 is of a rigid construction to prevent flexing or weaving of said frame as the load is transferred to one side or the other.

When the gathering and loading element II is pivoted so as to extend to the left hand side of the longitudinal center line of the machine, as is illustrated by solid lines in'Figure 20, the load is taken on the two rearward axle boxes and the left hand forward axle box and the center of gravity of the load is at the point of contact of the depending members 2| with the left hand axle boxes I1, I1 (see Fig. 12). I'hus the load is taken on three points and all of the track wheels are in engagement with the mine track and the maximum friction of the track wheels against the rails is at the point where the load is greatest and is closely adjacent the center of thrust of the gathering and loading element, permitting said gathering and loading element to be efficiently fed by said track wheels into the material which is being loaded.

In case the track is depressed on the left hand instead of the right hand side of the machine and said gathering and loading element is pivoted so as to extend to the left hand side of the machine, the load will be taken on the two forward axle boxes and the left hand rearward axle box forming a three point support for the truck frame I0 and the maximum friction of the track wheels against the rails will still be at the point where the load is greatest.

When the gathering and loading element II is positioned to extend to the right of the center line of the machine, as is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 20, and the track is depressed adjacent the right hand forward track wheel, the load is taken on the two forward axle boxes and the right hand rearward axle box and the main frame I0 is raised from the left hand rearward 75v 7 axle box, as is diagrammatically indicated in Figure 22. In this case, the center of gravity of the load is transferred from the longitudinal center line of the machine to a line which extends longitudinally of the" frame and passes through the point of contact of the depending members 2i, 2| on the right hand side of the machine with the respective axle boxes I1, I! and a three point support is provided for the main frame 50 adequately supporting said main frame and gathering and loading element to prevent derailing. Also, the maximum friction of the track wheels against the track is at the point where the load is greatest.

It should be further understood that other means'cooperating with the main frame Ill and track wheels I5, !5 to prevent derailing are the fact that most of the weight of the gathering and loading element H is supported by the compression springs I03, I03 which transfer the greater portion of the weight of the gathering and loading element to the forward part of the main frame and prevent the weight at the rear ward end of the machine from raising the entire forward end of the truck and track wheels 15 from the track when said gathering and loading element is in engagement with the ground and the fact that frictionally controlled swinging means are provided which prevent excessive pressures from being exerted on said track wheels.

It is thus apparent that a new and novel gathering and loading machine, particularly adapted for use in coal mines, has been provided which is constructed with a view towards utmost accessibility and efiiciency in operation and that this loading machine is so constructed that the various operations may be performed independently of each other and may cooperate with each other so as to prevent derailing of the machine.

While I have herein shown and described one form in which my invention may be embodied, it will be understood that the construction or arrangement of the various parts may be altered or changed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Furthermore, I do not wish to be construed as limiting myself to the particular form shown, excepting as it may be limited by the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a loading apparatus, a truck including a truck frame supported on track wheels and a pair of parallel spaced axles, an inclined conveyer having gathering means on the forward end thereof extending from the forward end of said truck frame and adapted to engage the ground at its forward end, said conveyer being supported for pivotal movement with respect to said truck about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto about a horizontal axis disposed above said truck, and means for maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with an irregular track when the forward end of said inclined conveyer is disposed to one truck frame supported on track wheels and a pair of parallel spaced axles, an inclined conveyer having gathering means on the forward end thereof extending from the forward end of said truck frame and adapted to engage the ground at its forward end, said conveyer being supported for pivotal movement with respect to said truck frame about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, and means for maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with an irregular track when the forward end of said inclined conveyer is disposed to one side or the other of the track and is in engagement with the ground comprising compression means disposed between said main frame and said inclined conveyer for transmitting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer to said main frame when the forward end of said inclined conveyer is in engagement with the ground, and a floating connection between each of said axles and said main.

frame comprising axle boxes forming a bearing support means for said axles and having direct longitudinal pivotal bearing engagement with opposite sides of said main frame permitting transverse pivotal movement of said axles and axle boxes with respect to said main frame.

3. In aloading apparatus of the class described, a main frame including a truck supported on track wheels and axles, an inclined conveyer having a gathering element on the forward end thereof, said inclined conveyer being supported adjacent the forward end of said main frame for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, and means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine from the longitudinal center thereof to either side thereof as said inclined conveyer is swung to one side or the other of the machine and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element and maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with the mine track during such positions of said conveyer with respect to said main frame, and preventing derailing of said machine when the tracks are irregular comprising a floating connection between each of said axles and the main frame, and compression means for supporting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer on said main frame, when in a loading position.

i. In a loading apparatus of the class described, a main frame including a truck supported on track wheels and axles, an inclined conveyer having a gathering element on the forward end thereof, said inclined conveyer being supported adjacent the forward end of said main frame for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, and means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine from the longitudinal center thereof to either side thereof as said inclined conveyer is swung to one side or the other of the machine and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element and maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with the mine track during such positions of said conveyer with respect to said main frame, and preventing derailing of said machine where the tracks are irregular comprising a floating connection between each of said axles and the main frame, and compression spring mem- V bers extending from said main frame from a point forwardly of the forwardmost track wheels to said inclined conveyer and supporting a greater 1 proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer i pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respectthereto about a horizontal axis, and means for permitting the shifting, of the center ofgravity of the machine from the longitudinal center thereof to either side thereof as said inclined conveyer is swung to one side or the'other of the machine and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element 7 and maintaining all of said track wheels inen- V gagement with the mine track during such positions of said conveyer with respect to said main frame, and preventing derailing of said machine Where the tracks are irregular comprising compression means for supporting a greater proportiori of the weight of said inclined conveyer on said main frame when in a loading position, and

a floating connection between each of said axles and the main frame permitting each of said axles to'have direct longitudinal pivotal bearing en- 5, gagement with opposite sides of said main frame. 3 l

6. In a loading apparatus of the class described, a main frame including a truck supported on track wheels and axles, an inclined conveyer having a gathering element 'on the forward end thereof, said inclined conveyer being supported adjacent the forward end of said main frame for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and for vertical adjustment with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, and means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine from the longitudinal center thereof to either side thereof as said inclined conveyer is swung to one side or the other of the machine and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element, and maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with the mine track during such positions of said conveyer with respectto said main frame, and preventing derailing of said machine where the tracks are irregularcomprising means for supporting a greater proportion of the Weight of said inclined conveyer on said main frame when the forward end thereof is in engagement with the ground in a loading position, and a floating connection between each of said axles and the main frame permitting each of said axles to have longitudinal pivotal bearing engagement with opposite sides of said main frame comprising a plurality of bearing members depending from opposite sides of said main frameand having convexly-formed engaging surfaces adapted to directly engage concave sockets formed in journal members for said axles.

7. In a loading apparatus of the class described, a main frame including a truck supported on track wheels and axles, an inclined conveyer having a gathering element on the-forward end thereof, said inclined conveyer being supported adjacent the forward end of said main frame for vertical axis and for'vertical'adjustment with respect thereto about a horizontal axis, and

means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine fro the longitudinal center thereof to either side threof as said inclined conveyer is swung to one side or the other of the machine and increasing the friction of the track wheelsagainst the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element and maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with the mine track during such posi-:

tions of said conveyer with respect to said main frame and preventing derailin g'of the machine where the tracks are irregular comprising a floating connection between each of said axles and the main frame including a plurality of bearing members depending from opposite sides of said main frame and having convexly-formed bearing surfaces adapted to directly engage concave sockets formed in journal members for said axles,

and means for supporting a greater proportion 'of the weight of said inclined conveyer on said with respect thereto about a vertical axis and about a transverse horizontal axis disposed above said main frame a motor supported rearwardly of the rearward-most truck axles for driving said gathering and loading element, and means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine from the center'of said main frame to either side thereof and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element when the forward end of said inclined conveyer is disposed to one side or the other of the center of said main frame and maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with the track in all positions of said inclined conveyer with respect to said main frame, and preventing derailing of the machine where the tracks are irregular comprising means for transmitting a greater proportion of the weight of said gathering element to said forwardly extending portion of said main frame when the forward endof said gathering element is in engagement with the ground in aloa ding position, and a floating connection between each of said axles and said main frame, wherein said axles have longitudinal pivotal bearing engagement with opposite sides of said main" frame. 7 I

9. In a loading apparatus, a track-mounted truck including a main frame supported on a pair of axles having wheels thereonadapted to engage and be guided for movement along a mine track, and having a portion extending forwardly of said forwardmost track wheels, an inclined conveyer having a gathering element on the for ward end thereof supportedon said forwardly extending portion of said main frame, for, pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and about a transverse horizontal axis dispose-d above said main frame, a motor supported rearwar'dly of the rearwardmost truck axles for driving said gathering and loading element, and means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine from the center ofsaid main frame to either side thereof and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load of said gathering and loading element when the forward. end of said inclined conveyer is disposed to one side or the other of the center of said main frame and maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with the track in all positions of said inclined conveyer with respect to said main frame, and preventing derailing of the machine where the tracks are irregular comprising a floating connection between each of said axles and the main frame wherein said axles have longitudinal pivotal bearing engagement with opposite sides of said main frame and compression means for supporting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer on said forwardly extending portion of said main frame when in a loading position.

10. In a loading machine, a main frame sup ported on track wheels and axles, a gathering and loading element including an inclined conveyer extending forwardly of said main frame and supported thereon for swinging movement about a vertical axis disposed forwardly of the forwardmost track wheels and for vertical adjustment about a horizontal transverse axis, a discharge conveyer extending rearwardly over said main frame, and means for maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with an irregular track when said gathering and loading element extends to one side or the other of the machine comprising compression springs disposed between the forward end of said main frame and said inclined conveyer for transmitting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer to the forward end of said main frame when the forward end of said inclined conveyer is in engagement with the ground, and a floating connection between each of said axles and said main frame wherein said axles have direct transverse pivotal supporting engagement with said main frame.

11. In a loading machine, a main framev sup-- ported on track wheels and axles, a gathering and loading element including an inclined conveyer extending forwardly of said main frame and supported thereon for swinging movement about a vertical axis disposed forwardly of the forwardmost track wheels and for vertical adjustment about a horizontal transverse axis disposed forwardly of said track wheels, a discharge conveyer extending rearwardly over said main frame, and means for maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with an irregular track when said gathering and loading element extends to one side or the other of the machine comprising compression springs disposed between the forward end of said main frame and said inclined conveyer for transmitting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer to the forward end of said main frame when the forward end of said inclined conveyer is in engagement with the ground, and a floating connection between each of said axles and said main frame comprising axle boxes forming a bearing support means for said axles and having direct longitudinal pivotal bearing engagement with opposite sides of said main frame.

12. In a loading machine, a main frame supported on track wheels and axles, a gathering and loading element including an inclined conveyer extending forwardly of said main frame and supported thereon for swinging movement about a vertical axis disposed forwardly of the forwardmost track wheels and for vertical adjustment, about a horizontal transverse axis disposed forwardly of said track wheels, a discharge conveyer extending rearwardly over said main frame, and means for maintaining all lof said track wheels in engagement with an irregular track when said gathering and loading element extends to one side or the other of the machine comprising compression springs disposed between the forward end of said main frame and said inclined conveyer and transmitting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer to the forward end of said main frame when the forward end of said gathering and loading element is in engagement with the ground, and a floating connection between each of said axles and said -main frame including axle boxes forming a bearing support means for said axles, said axle boxes being slidable in vertical guides disposed in said main frame and being adapted to have direct pivotal bearing engagement with said main frame permitting transverse pivotal movement of said axles and axle boxes with respect to said main frame.

13. In a loading machine, a main frame sup ported on track wheels and axles, a gathering and loading element including an inclined conveyer extending forwardly of said main frame and supported thereon for pivotal movement about a vertical axis disposed forwardly of the forwardmost track wheels and for vertical adjustment about a horizontal transverse axis disposed forwardly of said track wheels, a discharge conveyer extending rearwardly over said main frame, and means for maintaining all of said track wheels in engagement with an irregular track when said gathering and loading element extends to one side or the other of the machine comprising compression springs disposed between the forward end of said main frame and said inclined conveyer and transmitting a greater proportion of the weight of said inclined conveyer to the forward end of said main frame when the forward end of said gathering and loading element is in engagement with the ground, and a floating connection between each of said axles and said main frame including axle boxes forming a bearing support means for said axles, said axle boxes being slidable in vertical guides disposed in said main frame and having concave sockets formed in the upper side thereof adapted to engage convexly-formed engaging surfaces depending from said main frame and permitting each of said axles to have longitudinal pivotal bearing engagement with 0pposite sides of said main frame.

14. In a loading apparatus, a track-mounted truck including a main frame supported on a pair of axles having wheels thereon adapted to engage and be guided for movement along a mine track, said main frame extending forwardly of said forwardmost track wheels, an inclined conveyor having a gathering element on the forward end thereof supported on said forwardly extending portion of said main frame for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a vertical axis and about a transverse horizontal axis disposed above said main frame, and means for permitting the shifting of the center of gravity of the machine from the center of said main frame to either side thereof and increasing the friction of the track wheels against the rail adjacent the center of load on said gathering and loading element when the forward end of said inclined conveyor is disposed to one side or the other of the 

